copper airline installation (dialup beware)

[Charles (in GA)]

From everything that I have read PVC is a no no because it will eventually explode. I couldn't take a chance on running that through my back yard and having it come apart and hitting one of my kids. I wish it would work.


If I run it throught the ground to my garage how do I get rid of the water from the line that builds up? Biggest thing I am worried about is after a time the water will build up and cause serious problems.

I would not get concerned about the PVC if it were buried. Its not like a landmine or something, its just that if it lets go, usually due to a combination of age, sunlight/UV exposure, impact damage, etc. it shatters. Bury it 18 inches down and you will never have to worry about it. You could also put copper in the plastic sleeving they use to run copper in slabs.

Charles

 

[bmwpower]

I'd rather have my autodrain drain the tank than to have to go around to all the drops and drain them daily. Makes more sense to me to slope back to the tank.

 

[Lu47Dan]

Auto drains on air compressors are a great thing . If you have one yes pitch the line back to the compressor , if you dont pitch your lines so the last drop is the lowest . plumb this drop to the outside of the building add a small engine muffler to an elbow outside pointed down. blow down the air once a day under heavy usage and maybe once a week under light usage . the muffler quiets the air release and act as a diperser for any moisture , mine has last 4 years outside . I got it on sale for 1.99 at a farm store .And you should have a shutoff valve inside your work area , so if you blow a end off of a air hose you can shut it off without having to run outside to do it . Safety disconnects any equipment that is mounted out of reach or sight of the main panel or switch has to have a disconnect mounted within reach . In other words a compressor installed out side the shop or in another room of the shop ie attic , closet , storage area , mechanial room or storage shed . Must have a disconnect for when you are servicing it , auto start equipment can kill . Look it up in the code books . just my experience , Dan

 

[sboxs]

i just bought m copper pipe at Lowes is that good or bad for air lines

 

[Charles (in GA)]

i just bought m copper pipe at Lowes is that good or bad for air lines

Two types of rigid copper pipe can be bought at Lowes and Home Depot. Type M and type L, either one is more than enough for 100 psi compressed air. See the copper tube handbook for all of the specs. (warning: 6.38 meg download)

http://www.copper.org/resources/pub_list/pdf/copper_tube_handbook.pdf

Your weak link is the solder joint. pressure specs for joints using different types of solder or braze are also given.

Charles

 

[AZAV8]

byrdman,
Very professionally installed!!!
That's just how I design them and fight with the plumbers to install them on the commercial systems I design. Very well done!

Your drops are done properly. Take the drop off the TOP of the line so the water does not drain down the drop. I will usually put a "dirt" leg at the bottom of a drop with a valve on the end with the tee above that for the coupler. That way you can drain the drop as well and any water that does get into the drop has a place to collect and not go into the tool.

You saved yourself a lot of grief by fabbing up the pipe spools on the bench. You get better access to the joint to heat it up during soldering.

What type of torch did you use? I use a Benz-o-matic Model JTH-7 which has the torch, hose and a valve at the end of the hose which attaches to the fuel cylinder. Very handy to use and I don't have to fight with the torch and the fuel cylinder in one unit. Those are very ackward. I use the Coleman propane cylinders they sell for their camping stoves. I also use a Coleman plastic cylinder stand that fits on the bottom of the fuel cylinder so it won't fall over.

Again, a very professionally installed system.

Phil

 

[byrdman]

Thanks for the praise Phil, always nice to hear. I put a lot of research into that system- and I have to say it is serving me well. (most of the research I did right here on the GJ.) I'm not sure of the model number on my torch, but it's just the regular old BernzOmatic valve and the tall skinny screw-on propane tank.